“I… I Didn’t Know My Heart Could Stop Like That.” Reba Mcentire’s Voice Cracked As Her Chair Finished Turning, And For A Breathless Second, The Entire Studio Forgot It Was Watching The Voice. The Applause Faded. The Lights Felt Softer. And There He Stood — Rex Linn, Her Fiancé, Gripping His Guitar, Eyes Shining, Having Just Sung His Way Straight Into The One Place No Competition Could Reach. Reba Covered Her Mouth, Shaking Her Head In Disbelief. “Rex… What Are You Doing To Me?” She Whispered, Already In Tears. He Smiled Gently And Answered, “I Just Needed You To Hear Me — The Way You Always Hear Everyone Else.” What Began As A Blind Audition Dissolved Into Something Unbearably Intimate. No Strategy. No Judges’ Banter. Just A Woman Realizing The Voice She’d Fallen In Love With Was Standing In Front Of Her, Exposed And Honest, On National Television. Fans Are Calling It The Most Emotional Twist In The Show’s History — Because It Wasn’t A Performance Meant To Win.

Reba McEntire‘s sitcom Happy’s Place films not too far from where The Voice’s studio sits, so it makes sense that her fiancé and co-star, Rex Linn, would accompany Coach McEntire across the lot. In fact, eagle-eyed viewers of the first episode of the Battle rounds of The Voice Season 28 may have noticed that between duets, Linn walked behind McEntire while she was chatting to the camera.

“Having a blast today, first day of the Battles,” McEntire said after Artists Revel Day and Dustin Dale Gaspard performed “Too Sweet” by Hozier. Just behind her, Linn strutted by with a show lanyard around his neck, clearly at ease. He’s definitely been around the studio before!

How Reba McEntire and Rex Linn met and fell in love

Reba McEntire and partner Rex Linn reveal the Reba Sweetheart Meal at SONIC for Valentine’s Day. A cheeseburger, tots and a chocolate covered strawberry shake comprise the combo.

Photo: Sara Jaye/Getty Images for SONIC

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn first crossed paths in 1991 on the set of a Western drama, but there was no particular romantic connection until decades later, when they met again on the set of Young Sheldon in January 2020.

“I don’t know what it was; timing is everything. I’ve been married twice, and for some reason Rex Linn — it was just like a magnet. I had to get in there to see him at the restaurant.” McEntire told E! News. But timing cuts both ways, and the pandemic created a challenge and an opportunity.

“Because of the pandemic, we didn’t get to see each other from January to June 16 [2020],” McEntire added in the same interview. “But we created an intimacy by texting and talking on the telephone that we wouldn’t have gotten if we’d been together all that time. So it was special, and it was a great way of finding out about each other without ever touching. We’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since June 16, 2020. It was a wonderful way to get to know each other better.”

As for the idea of marriage, McEntire told E!, “I’ve been married twice. After the second one dissolved, I don’t have much faith in being bound by a piece of paper or a ring. I’m truly committed to Rex, so if that’s something he feels totally strong about, that’s fine with me. He’s never been married before. So if he wants to experience that, I’m OK with that.”